Assembly Required!
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
When my daughter Myalexis was a toddler, I purchased a birthday gift for her, but in order for her to enjoy her new gift, I discovered that some assembly was required on my part. Friends, this is also true for the Christian Community.
In order for Christians to live out their gospel identity in Christ and benefit from the spiritual gifts of those who make up the Christian Community, every member of the community must understand that constant and active assembly is a requirement! Gathering together with other likeminded Christians on a regular basis is not optional or arbitrary. The assembly of the saints in community is not up for debate or discussion because it’s a commanded choice.
Accepting Christ as Savior and Lord commands corporate and constant assembly. Inconsistent assembly is frowned upon in the Word of God regardless of one’s personal circumstances. Note the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 10:25 exhorted Christians in his day not “to neglect or to forsake” meeting together. Due to intense pressure and persecution, many believers made a habit of skipping out on corporate gatherings for worship, ministry and word opportunities!
In a real sense, the Hebrew writer was calling believers back then and right now to reverse a pattern of behavior that was inconsistent with their new identity in Christ! To motivate them to assemble on a regular basis, the Hebrew writer list the benefits that results from them assembling together such as being pushed to love, do good works and encouragement to be faithful! Friends, God expects his children to be in good and regular standing and attendance when it comes to corporate assembly!
God, help me not to be guilty of being an inconsistent member of my corporate assembly, Amen!